The Chester Grosvenor honoured its top staff at a ceremony held in the five-star hotel’s Westminster Suite.

Sophie Vidal, reservations supervisor, was delighted to be named Employee of The Year 2013.

Sophie leads the reservations team, taking phone calls and bookings from all around the world.

She started life at The Chester Grosvenor as a receptionist in 2010 and has been promoted to her current position due to her dedication and diligence.

To honour Sophie’s hard work, she was awarded a three-night break for two at a Small Luxury Hotels of The World hotel or a Pride of Britain hotel in a top European destination, inclusive of all travel.

Sophie said: “I’m so proud of this achievement. The sense of satisfaction I get from providing our lovely guests with the care they deserve is usually thanks enough but this honour is a great one.”

The Apprentice of the Year award was handed to Andrew Cooper, who joined The Chester Grosvenor through Simon Radley’s Kitchen Academy in 2012.

He has since risen through the ranks with dedication and hard work to become chef de partie pastry.

Andrew said: “I first experienced working in Simon’s team through work experience and loved it so much I applied for an apprenticeship.

“I was so pleased to get it because it means I am mentored by the best chefs in the region and through working hard I am progressing towards my dream career.”

Simon Radley, Michelin-star chef of Simon Radley at The Chester Grosvenor, said: “Andrew’s natural ability along with his willingness to learn has set a new bar that we now judge others on. This has ensured a quick fast-track rise through the ranks.”

Andrew’s prize is a trip to London where he will have the choice of lunch at Petrus, Hibiscus or Heston @ Mandarin Oriental, some of the capital’s best restaurants.

Managing director Jonathan Slater presented the awards at a ceremony that included some of the Grosvenor’s afternoon tea delights for the Grosvenor staff.

He said: “Our staff here are the very best. They put pride and hard work into offering the best service they can and I enjoy so much this opportunity to honour and thank them for it.”

Mr Slater also presented awards to two runners up, porter Rhodri Talens and head linen housekeeper, Lenka Miklosovicova, who both win a night away at a Pride of Britain hotel.